About PHM
Our fields of work
Digital memory
Public History Munich implements innovative digital projects and draws up concepts for new formats in cooperation with others. We network people in the digital realm with themes in the fields of history and the culture of remembrance.
‘Die Rückkehr der Namen’ (The Return of Names) cooperation project
#LastSeen – Images of Nazi deportations
Conference #digital_memory
Jewish Munich
Jewish life belongs to Munich and its history. Many aspects, however, are largely unknown. We see it as an important task to research and communicate such aspects as a means of understanding our city and its history. More…
Politically motivated violence
Violent right-wing extremism, antisemitism, international terrorism – in no other city in Germany is the number of victims who died as a result of terrorist attacks higher. Using a variety of different cultural formats, Public History Munich raises awareness of these frequently dark stains in the city’s history.
1970: Palestinian terrorist attack at Munich-Riem Airport
1980: Right-wing extremist Oktoberfest attack
1984: Commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the right-wing terrorist arson attack at Schillerstrasse 11a
Migration history
Migration has shaped our city and its history. Our focus is on researching the migration history of Munich after 1945 and establishing a multi-perspective, migration-related, transnational culture of remembrance. More…
Memorial signs
There are now more than 200 memorial signs to be found all over Munich. Through these signs, we remember – at eye level – those who fell victim to the Nazi reign of terror.
Series of events
How do we shape our everyday life in a community? How do we develop the urban space? Public History Munich takes Munich’s history as the focal point and opens up a range of different perspectives on our society in series of events throughout the city.
From January 2025: Zero hour? How we became what we are. The post-war period in Munich
Street names and monuments
The honouring of debatable and historically-charged figures is something found throughout the urban space. Public History Munich is working towards an appropriate and academically-based approach to historical names, also through the use of artistic means.
‘Past Statements’ series of events
Historically controversial street names
Commemoration days
To mark recurrent occasions, we address historical watershed events and turning points together with and for the residents of the city. We support social initiatives with funding and expert advice so that commemorative days can be structured in a dynamic way.
13 March: Commemorating the deportation of the Sinti*zze and Rom*nja
22 July: Commemoration of the racist attack in the OEZ
Commemorating the 9 November 1938
Commemoration sites
Temporary projects and permanent memorial sites – the places of remembrance in Munich are multifaceted and constantly in flux. In this respect, we aim to ensure that a variety of different perspectives are considered and involve survivors, the bereaved, experts, those actively engaged and the general public.
Commemorative installation ‘For You’ to mark the OEZ racist attack
Oktoberfest Bomb Attack Documentation
Participatory work of art to commemorative the Sinti*zze and Rom*nja
Georg Elser Award
The Georg Elser Award honours the work and actions of people with moral courage who champion democratic achievements. The award, amounting to 5000 euros, is presented every two years in November.
KulturGeschichtsPfade (CultureHistoricalTrails)
The academically-researched trails around different areas in the city enhance an historical awareness and orientation and cover almost all districts. The series of publications exists primarily thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Public History Munich supports this network throughout the whole municipal area and furthers the development of this initiative.
